Laurence J. Whelan of Flagstaff passed away September 20, 2015.Larry was born August 20, 1934 in Butte, Montana.He served with the Marines during the Korean War, graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Forestry, and enjoyed more than 30 years working for the U.S. Forest Service.He moved to Flagstaff in 1983 to serve as the Fire Management Officer for the Coconino National forest prior to retirement in 1990.

Larry was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church in 1974 and spent his retirement years serving as a Deacon at San Francisco De Asis and as a volunteer chaplain for the Flagstaff Fire Department.He was a loving husband and father, and an active spiritual leader. He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 58 years, 5 sisters, 1 brother, 6 children, 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of his life on Friday, September 25th at 7:00 p.m. at the San Francisco De Asis Catholic Church, 1600 E. Route 66, in Flagstaff.Funeral Mass will be Saturday, September 26th at 1:00 p.m. also at the church.A reception will immediately follow the funeral Mass at the Holy Trinity Newman Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Vincent De Paul.